Kelly Howard, owner of Behavior Services & Therapy, Inc., was honored recently with the 1st Source Bank SBA Business Spotlight designation. Howard was recognized for the fast growth of her business and her effective use of Small Business Administration, (SBA), loans.

Howard, a Registered Behavioral Consultant and Major in the Air Force Reserves, started Behavior Services & Therapy, Inc. in 2008 after it became clear to her that she could provide behavioral services to the developmentally disabled in a more creative and effective way. Her journey toward success started when she attended the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo where she met 1st Source bankers who introduced her to the possibilities of the SBA program.

“I’m so thankful to have teamed up with 1st Source because without them and the SBA everything I have accomplished would never have been possible,” said Howard.

In the past four years, Howard has utilized several SBA loan programs to start and grow her business. Behavior Services & Therapy, Inc. now employs over twenty staff members, most of whom provide behavioral management and music therapy to developmentally disabled clients. Howard’s client base has more than doubled annually the past three years, attesting to the need for the therapy and the manner in which it is provided.

“Kelly Howard is a true success story,” said Carrie Kosac, 1st Source SBA Manager. “She has done an exceptional job of starting and growing her business and 1st Source has been pleased to be a part of her team.” Kosac presented a Business Spotlight plaque to Howard at a recent luncheon in her honor.

“1st Source has a long partnership with the SBA,” added Joe Kuzmitz, 1st Source Senior Vice President of Business Banking. “As an SBA preferred lender, we have an expertise in the best ways to help our clients utilize programs to start and grow their business. With the type of service Kelly Howard provides and the success she has had, we wanted to spotlight her achievement with this recognition.”